Connor Barron’s big dream could be dashed all thanks to Russell Martin
Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell placed a big emphasis on developing young players when arriving at Rangers.
Thelwell sanctioned the signings of many youngsters in the summer transfer window, yet the majority have failed to adapt to life at Ibrox.
Rangers’ disastrous start to the season has not helped matters at all, and Martin is facing a challenge to balance everyone’s minutes out whilst achieving results that keep him in the job.
Connor Barron has not enjoyed as much game time as last season, with the midfielder only starting three of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches this season.
Connor Barron’s World Cup dream might not come true
The 2026 World Cup is just eight months away, and Barron is desperate to get himself on the plane to North America.
Whilst Scotland haven’t qualified yet, there is a good chance that the Tartan Army will make their first appearance in the tournament since 1998.
Speaking ahead of Rangers’ away clash to Sturm Graz in the Europa League on 1 October, Barron outlined his childhood dream and what he must do to ensure himself the best chance of earning a spot in the squad.
He said “It’d be brilliant, playing in a World Cup is something you dream of as a kid. Fingers crossed, and hopefully I’ll keep putting in the performances to get there.
“You’ve got to do well at your club, and you have to be performing week in, week out to get into the squad.
“I’ve got to focus on club football first, and it would be a massive bonus for me.”
Barron made 49 appearances last season under Barry Ferguson and Philippe Clement, yet Martin hasn’t trusted him with the same type of responsibilities this year.
| Stat | Connor Barron |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Pass accuracy (per cent) | 89.7% |
| Tackles won (per cent) | 65.6% |
| Recoveries | 105 |
He made an appearance for Scotland in their 4-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein in June, yet has not been called up to any squads this season due to a lack of first-team minutes.
The onus is on Martin to get the best of Barron, and he will need to prove his worth in every opportunity he gets.
Martin was booed for substituting Barron against Hearts on 13 September, and it’s clear that Rangers fans hold him in high regard.
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Barron was linked with a move to Bologna in the summer transfer window, yet Rangers rejected the formal approach, showcasing the faith Martin does have in the 23-year-old midfielder.
Diomande is currently preferred ahead of Barron at the moment, yet that could all change should Barron grab his opportunities by the scruff of the neck in the Europa League.
Connor Barron must impress vs Sturm Graz
Much like Youssef Chermiti, Barron will have to put in strong performances in the Europa League if he wants to start consistently for Rangers.
Diomande’s red card against Genk means Barron will start against Graz, and an influential display in midfield could pave the way for a return to consistent first-team action.
Whilst Barron is perhaps not as good a midfield partner to Nico Raskin as Diomande is, he is undeniably extremely talented.
The World Cup is rapidly approaching, and Barron will need to excel in Rangers’ Europa League campaign if he wants to stand a chance of fulfilling his childhood dream.
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